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Pet food recalled after sickening at least 21 cats

Over the weekend, the FDA released the details of the a Missouri company’s decision to recall its line of dried cat food, which was primarily distributed in the eastern U.S., after 21 pet owners reported health problems in their felines.

The FDA said the lack of thiamine in the product could result in serious pet health including issues vomiting, difficulty walking, seizures and potentially death.

On Tuesday, Diamond confirmed 21 reports of thiamine deficiency in cats in New York and Pennsylvania. The pet food was also distributed in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

After a series of pet food recalls, some veterinarians started recommending alternative diets in 2007.

For instance, Dr Richard Pitcairn told ABC that dogs fed long-term on kibbles sometimes show signs of fatigue and are more susceptible to parasites and fleas.

According to American Pet Product Association sales estimates, pet owners will spend $17.4 billion on pet food this year, up from $16.8 billion in 2008.